by Jonathan Eberle | Apr 15, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona State Senator Mark Finchem (R-LD1) has announced the formation of a Joint Legislative Ad Hoc Committee on Family Court Orders. The committee is aimed at evaluating the state’s family court system and potential reforms. The first hearing took place on Monday, April 14.
The committee, which will include both lawmakers and subject matter experts, is inviting parents and advocates to share personal stories and concerns about their experiences with family court proceedings. According to Finchem, the hearings were prompted by a growing number of complaints from families alleging that court-ordered interventions and custody decisions are inconsistent or harmful.
“I am urging those who have been impacted by the family court system to come to the Senate and make their voices heard,” said Chairman Finchem. “We want to evaluate potential legislative solutions to safeguard families and hold government and non-government agencies accountable for potentially unreasonable practices.”
The ad hoc committee will focus on a range of issues related to family court, including but not limited to custody arrangements and their long-term impact on children; the use and oversight of court-ordered therapeutic interventions; transparency and accountability of family court judges and court-appointed professionals; and the influence of external agencies and third-party service providers in custody and visitation decisions.
Finchem’s office confirmed that this will be the first in a series of five public hearings intended to gather testimony and explore whether legislative reforms are needed.
Arizona’s family court system, like those in many other states, has faced scrutiny in recent years over concerns ranging from judicial discretion in custody rulings to allegations of bias and lack of oversight for court-appointed evaluators. Critics have raised questions about the role of court-ordered therapists, parenting coordinators, and other third-party providers—especially when their involvement results in costly or extended legal battles.
Some people have also suggested that existing processes fail to properly address issues of domestic abuse, parental alienation, and financial inequities. While many of these claims are complex and deeply personal, they have prompted a broader discussion about balancing judicial discretion with accountability and protecting the well-being of children caught in contentious disputes.
Additional hearings are expected to be scheduled over the coming months as the committee works to develop findings and potential legislative recommendations.
Arizona joins a number of states nationwide that are reconsidering how family courts operate in light of evolving societal and legal expectations. Whether this effort leads to concrete policy change remains to be seen, but it represents a significant moment of public engagement with the legal system’s handling of family matters.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Apr 15, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Last week, Arizona lawmakers passed SB 1164, also known as the “AZ ICE Act.” The bill, sponsored by Senate President Warren Petersen (R-LD14), seeks to strengthen cooperation between local and federal authorities on immigration enforcement. It now awaits consideration by Governor Katie Hobbs.
The legislation, which passed the Arizona House along party lines with full Republican support, prohibits state and local government entities from enacting policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It also establishes a process for enforcing compliance: if a city or county is suspected of violating the law, a complaint may be filed with the Arizona Attorney General, triggering an investigation under Arizona Revised Statutes §41-194.01—commonly referred to as a “1487 investigation.” Jurisdictions found in violation could have state-shared revenues withheld until they comply.
“I applaud my colleagues… for supporting this vital action to help safeguard our communities from dangerous criminal illegal aliens,” said Petersen. “It’s time for the Governor to put politics aside… and protect innocent men, women, and children.”
The AZ ICE Act prohibits state and local government agencies from blocking cooperation with federal immigration enforcement; authorizes the Arizona Attorney General to investigate and penalize non-compliant jurisdictions; requires county sheriffs and the Arizona Department of Corrections to honor immigration detainer requests; and it allows law enforcement agencies to enter into 287(g) agreements with the federal government, deputizing local officers to perform certain federal immigration enforcement duties.
The AZ ICE Act mirrors efforts in other states to support federal immigration enforcement amid ongoing national debates about border security and states’ roles in immigration policy. Proponents argue such measures are necessary to prevent the release of undocumented immigrants with criminal records and to ensure local cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The bill now heads to Governor Hobbs’ desk. If signed, the AZ ICE Act would take effect later this year. As the immigration debate continues, Arizona remains a key player in shaping the conversation on border policy, enforcement, and public safety.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Apr 12, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen has joined a coalition of states and energy companies in filing a federal lawsuit aimed at reducing regulatory barriers to deploying small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), a next-generation nuclear energy technology touted for its safety, efficiency, and potential role in transitioning to clean energy.
Filed in a U.S. District Court late Monday, the lawsuit challenges a longstanding Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) rule that subjects SMRs to the same licensing standards as large-scale nuclear reactors. Arizona joins Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Utah, and three nuclear energy firms in asking the court to set aside the rule.
“Arizona’s utility companies want to pursue SMRs, but their hands are tied with red tape,” Petersen said in a statement. “It could take decades and an unreasonable amount of money to establish plants under the current rule.”
The plaintiffs argue that the NRC’s approach contradicts the original intent of Congress, which in the 1950s envisioned a more flexible regulatory framework for smaller reactors. They contend the uniform standards are outdated and unnecessarily hinder the adoption of SMRs, which can be factory-built and installed on-site, even in rural areas.
Small modular reactors are advanced nuclear energy systems that produce significantly less power than traditional reactors—typically under 300 megawatts—but offer key advantages. They can be constructed more quickly, pose fewer safety risks, and emit nearly zero greenhouse gases. Because of their modular design, SMRs can be scaled to meet specific energy demands and are considered ideal for hard-to-reach communities or states looking to diversify their energy portfolios.
Proponents say SMRs could be a critical tool in meeting emissions targets while maintaining grid reliability and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
The push to modernize nuclear regulation has gained traction as several states and energy companies look to expand nuclear energy options. Advocates of the lawsuit argue that reforming the licensing process could unlock billions in clean energy investment and accelerate the path toward energy independence.
Arizona’s involvement in the case reflects a broader interest among state leaders in expanding energy choices amid rising demand. Petersen’s office noted that the lawsuit aligns with broader national efforts to reduce reliance on foreign energy. For now, Arizona joins a growing list of states pushing for a regulatory framework they say better reflects technological innovation and evolving energy needs.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Apr 12, 2025 | Education, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
A bill designed to direct more tax revenue toward Arizona’s K-12 classrooms has been vetoed by Governor Katie Hobbs, prompting criticism from Republican lawmakers who say the measure would have strengthened public education funding.
SB 1050, sponsored by Senator Vince Leach (R-LD17), sought to amend the Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET) program by prohibiting the abatement of school district-designated tax revenues. Under current law, cities and towns can lease government-owned property to private developers with reduced tax obligations, an incentive intended to promote commercial development.
The bill would have excluded school-related tax revenues from such incentives, allowing those funds to flow directly to local school districts instead of being waived under development agreements.
“This was a missed opportunity by the Governor,” said Leach. “She says she supports education funding, but her veto suggests otherwise.”
In her veto letter, Governor Hobbs explained that SB 1050 could “stunt Arizona’s economic development” by weakening a tool used by local governments to attract private investment. The GPLET program, though controversial, has been credited with revitalizing parts of urban Arizona by lowering upfront development costs in exchange for long-term gains.
Arizona schools continue to face funding pressures despite recent increases to the state’s education budget. Republican lawmakers have often pushed for reallocating existing tax revenues, while Democrats have generally sought new funding sources or changes to the state’s tax structure.
SB 1050 passed both legislative chambers before being vetoed, signaling at least some bipartisan concern about the balance between development incentives and education funding.
Senator Leach and other supporters of the bill may pursue similar legislation in future sessions or attempt a veto override, although success would require significant bipartisan support. Meanwhile, the broader debate over how to equitably fund Arizona’s public schools is likely to continue.
“This is about priorities,” Leach said. “We should be making sure our tax dollars are going to classrooms, not corporate subsidies.”
The Governor’s office has not indicated whether alternative proposals to increase school funding through tax reforms are in the works.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Apr 10, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona has enacted a new law that aims to boost the state’s environmental health workforce and combat foodborne illness by making it easier for health professionals to become registered sanitarians.
HB 2145, sponsored by Representative Selina Bliss (R-LD1), was signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs following unanimous passage through the legislature. The bill shortens experience requirements and clarifies educational standards for those seeking to register as sanitarians in Arizona.
Under the new law, aspiring sanitarians can qualify for registration with three years (reduced from five) of experience as a sanitarian aide in a public health agency or related private sector role; three years (down from five) of full-time military duty in environmental health; or 30 semester hours of college credit in relevant subjects, including 22 hours in natural sciences (clarified from a general 30-hour natural science requirement).
“I have had food poisoning five times in my life, so I can testify that this is important!” Bliss posted on X. “This law addresses our workforce shortage to protect the public from food-borne illness.”
These updates aim to expand the pool of eligible candidates while maintaining rigorous standards for public health professionals.
Sanitarians play a critical role in public safety, conducting environmental health investigations, evaluating hazardous agents, ensuring compliance with public health regulations, and advising on disease prevention efforts. The Arizona Sanitarians’ Council sets the standards for registration and professional practice.
The need for reform became apparent as agencies across Arizona cited difficulties recruiting qualified professionals, especially in rural areas and during public health emergencies. Advocates for the bill said modernizing the law would help meet demand without compromising safety.
Environmental health staffing shortages are not unique to Arizona. Across the United States, state and local agencies have struggled to fill roles vital to preventing outbreaks and ensuring food safety. The COVID-19 pandemic further strained these systems, bringing renewed attention to public health infrastructure and prompting efforts to expand the workforce.
Arizona’s passage of HB 2145 signals a bipartisan acknowledgment of the need for proactive measures to strengthen the state’s public health readiness. The new law will take effect later this year.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
